Therapeutic device for improving neuromuscular balance and pain conditions

ABSTRACT

A therapeutic device includes a base, a wall extending upward from the base, and left and right platforms. Additionally, the devices includes a left hinge that rotatably attaches one end of the left platform to the wall, and a right hinge that rotatably attaches one end of the right platform to the wall. One or more left springs that bias the left platform upward relative to the base, and one or more right springs that bias the right platform upward relative to the base. In certain embodiments, the left and right platforms are respectively left and right lower platforms, and the device also includes left and right upper platforms located respectively above the left and right lower platforms, as well as further springs extending between the lower platforms and the upper platforms to bias portions of the upper platforms upward relative to the lower platforms.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/771,027, filed Feb. 19, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part (CIP)of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/944,654 filed on Nov. 26, 2007(now abandoned). Priority is claimed to both applications, and bothapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates to systems and devices for improving aperson's balance and otherwise improving neuromuscular coordination.More particularly, the invention relates to using a therapeutic deviceto access the plasticity inherent in the human central nervous system toreorganize it to a healthier, more effective level of function.

BACKGROUND

Many people have suffered with chronic injuries and/or diseases thathave affected their body for a long time. Their body tends to adapt andcompensate. Many people may suffer from pain syndromes resulting fromsuch compensations to injuries. The injuries and/or diseases can weakenthe mechanical process of the body and/or disrupt the pattern of bodilymovement, either of which often can lead to deformations of bone, jointsand/or tissues connecting the bones and/or joints. No one today couldreasonably say that these problems can be solved with a machine, andneither can the inventor, but after years of research he is disclosingin this application tools he has found to fundamentally aid the body'sown processes to improve health.

As the population ages, more and more people have recently suffered fromfall fracture, loss of muscle strength, decreased range of joint motion,reduced sense of balance or the like due to aging. Accordingly, more andmore patients need rehabilitation of walking function.

Poor balance and ineffective gait can be severely debilitating problems.They can drastically limit a person's mobility and make relativelysimple activities difficult or impossible. Furthermore, it can be verydangerous. A person with poor balance or gait is more likely to slip,fall or fall downstairs. It can also be disorienting and confusing.

Unfortunately, there has been relatively little attention focused onthis growing problem. Persons with balance or gait problems typicallymust rely on using a cane, crutches or a walker. Real solutions havebeen slow in coming.

SUMMARY

The present invention may include a simple but sophisticated mechanicaldevice that persons may stand on to manage pain and improve balanceconditions. Measurable, oftentimes life-transforming changes may beelicited with predictable efficiency on deep and subtle levels withinthe patient's Central Nervous System (CNS).

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide atherapeutic device that may improve balance, increase gait efficiencyand stability, enhance coordination and performance, facilitate thehealing of injuries and trauma patterns, decompress spinal discs,improved circulation, improve postural alignment, stimulate static,righting and static-kinetic reflexes and reduce stress.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a therapeuticdevice that may increase kinesthetic and proprioceptive awareness,increased range of motion, and provide sustained response andexponential benefits with regular use.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from a reading of the attached specification andappended claims. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the moreimportant features of the invention in order that the detaileddescription thereof that follows may be better understood, and in orderthat the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.There are features of the invention that will be described hereinafterand which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a therapeutic device in accordancewith the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a therapeutic device in accordancewith the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of a therapeutic device in accordancewith the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a therapeutic device in accordancewith the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the inside of a therapeutic device inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of atherapeutic device in accordance with principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of atherapeutic device in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective front view of an alternativeembodiment of a therapeutic device in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of an alternative embodiment of a therapeuticdevice in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a foot bed for use with a therapeuticdevice in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of atherapeutic device in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and to the arrangements of the componentsset forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced andcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

The Harwin Balancer™ has proven to be gentle and easy to use for allages and across a broad spectrum of fitness levels. The subtle, complex,multi-tiered architecture of its footbed mechanism offers a yieldingresistance coupled with subtle fulcrum, torsion, and sway actions thatare easily controlled by the patient, yet profound in their effect. Ithas been clinically shown that The Harwin Balancer™ does not cause anyexacerbation of the patient's condition.

FIG. 1 shows side cross-sectional view a therapeutic balancing device 10in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Thetherapeutic device 10 has a base 12, a front 14 and a back 16. Aplatform 18 extends across the top of the therapeutic device from theback 16 to the front 14. Hinge 20 rotatably connects the back 16 to theplatform 18. As will be explained more fully below, a patient standsupon platform 18. The therapeutic device may be constructed of any of avariety of suitable materials having sufficient strength and rigidity tosupport a person. In one embodiment, and may be preferable to use woodto construct the base 12, front 14, back 16 and platform 18. However, avariety of other materials may also be suitable, such as for example,plastic, metal, carbon fiber, and various composite materials.

Within the therapeutic device 10 one or more springs 22 may be situated.Base 12 may include one or more depressions 24 that may be circular, andmay be used to accommodate the base of a spring 22. It may be desirableto have a variety of depressions 24 in order to allow one or moresprings 22 to be placed in a variety of different positions. Rearrangingsprings 22 in different depressions 24 may aid in promoting alleviationof different conditions. Springs 22 may be steel, copper, or of anysuitable material. It may be desirable to utilize a variety of differentsprings having a variety of different strengths and other properties tofurther assist in alleviating various conditions.

It may be desirable to include tether 26 that may be removablyattachable to hooks 28 and 30. By tethering the platform 18 to the restof the device, the springs may be prevented from moving out of placeduring transport. Optionally, the tether 26 may be elastic. Optionally,other methods of securing the therapeutic device may be used duringtransport or storage.

FIG. 2 shows the therapeutic device 10 from a side perspective view. Inthis embodiment, the therapeutic device 10 has two platforms 18, one foreach foot. Each platform 18 has a hinge 20 affixing it to the back 16.The therapeutic device 10 optionally include sides 32. Springs 22 mayalso be seen. This embodiment is relatively compact and has fewer movingcomponents than other embodiments. This may make it a preferredembodiment for situations where highly portable devices are desirable.

FIG. 3 shows the portable embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 from the rear. Theplatforms 18 of therapeutic device 10 may be seen affixed to the back 16by hinges 20. Both sides 32 may also be seen. In this embodiment, thetherapeutic device has bilateral symmetry. It may be preferable forplatforms 18 to be of the same size. FIG. 4 shows the therapeutic device10 from the front. May be seen affixed by hinges 20. Springs 22 may alsobe seen.

FIG. 5 shows the interior of the therapeutic device 10. As may be seen,a plurality of springs 22 are dispersed throughout the interior of thetherapeutic device 10. Also may be seen are indentions 24. Springs 22fit within indentions 24 that may assist holding springs 22 in place.Springs 22 may be arranged about indentions 24 in any pattern desired.Different placements of springs 22 in indentions 24 may be used to applytherapy differently depending on the patient and the various conditionstreated. Also may be seen are bungee cords and balls 36. Bungee cordsand balls 36 may be used to tethered down the platforms 18 to preventthem from bouncing upward and to help retain them in place.

FIG. 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment ofa therapeutic device 50 in accordance with the principles of theinvention. Therapeutic device 50 has a base 52, a front 54 and a back55. Near the bottom of the back 55 close to where it meets base 52 is awheel 57. Wheel 57 will be explained in greater detail below. A platform60 extends across the top of therapeutic device 50 and is attached toback 55 by hinge 59. Springs 62 inside therapeutic device 50 extend fromthe base 52 to the platform 60. Springs 62 may be placed at one or moreof many various locations about base 52 in order to adjust thetherapeutic device 50 depending upon the operator.

Platform 60 has two half circle-shaped sidewalls 74 that extend upwardfrom it. An upper platform 70 is positioned above platform 60. Upperplatform 70 also has two sidewalls 76 that protrude upwardly from it.Sidewalls 74 and sidewalls 76 are rotatably attached to one another bypivot pin 72. Upper platform 70 is also attached to platform 60 byspring 71. The location of spring 71 creates a bias pushing the frontend 75 of upper platform 70 upward. In operation, a person stands uponupper platform 70 facing the direction of the front 54. Thus, spring 71is positioned close to where the ball of the foot rests upon platform70. Spring 71 may also be placed in other locations and may consist ofmultiple springs under upper platform 70.

When a person stands upon the therapeutic device 50, the elastic forcesof Springs 62 and 71 oscillate causing platform 60 to rotate about hinge59 and platform 70 to rotate about an axis line running through pivotpin 72. This may require a user to adjust his or her balance. Withoutbeing bound by theory, the inventor believes that the balancingadjustments required when standing upon the therapeutic device takesadvantage of neuroplasticity to enhance neuromuscular interaction andimprove a person's balance.

Springs 71 and 62 may be composed of the same material or differentmaterials. It may be desirable to provide a plurality of interchangeablesprings having different mechanical properties to allow adjustment ofthe therapeutic device, depending on the needs of an operator.Optionally, it may be desirable to utilize mechanical structures otherthan classic mechanical springs to create biases in the platform andupper platform, such as, for example, hydraulic or pneumatic devices orarmatures.

FIG. 7 shows a forward perspective view of the therapeutic device 50 ofFIG. 6 in accordance with the principles of the invention. Therapeuticdevice 50 may be more complex and/or more elaborate than therapeuticdevice 10 of FIGS. 1-5. Therapeutic device 50 has sides 56, from whichhandlebars 58 extend upward. Handlebars 58 may be curved and in theshape of an upside down U, or other suitable design. In this embodiment,handlebars 58 are comprised of steel, however, other suitable materialsmay also be used, including wood, plastic, carbon fiber, glass and thelike. Platforms 60 are supported by steel springs 62 that extends fromthe base 52 to the bottom of the platforms 60. Copper Springs 71 extendfrom platform 62 to the bottoms of platforms 70. Platforms 70 mayoptionally include foot beds 75. Foot beds 75 may be comprised of one ormore layers of foam, rubber, plastic, cotton or any other material.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view from the front of the therapeuticdevice 50. In this embodiment, each upper platform 70 may be supportedby three copper springs 71. It may be desirable to have more or fewerSprings 71. It may also be desirable to have Springs composed ofmaterials other than copper. Springs 71 create a bias pushing the front75 of the upper platform 70 upward.

Sidewalls 74 and sidewalls 76 are attached to one another by pivot pin72. In this embodiment, sidewalls 74 and 76 are both semicircular inshape. However, sidewalls 74 and 76 may be of any shape or may simply besmall planks extending upward from platform 60 an upper platform 70 inorder to allow upper platform 70 to pivot relative to platform 60 aboutan axis line positioned above both platforms 60 and upper platforms 70.Also may be seen are bungee tethers with ball anchors 80 that assist inholding platforms 60 in place and prevent them from rotating too farupward about hinge 59.

FIG. 9 shows the back of the therapeutic device 50. Wheels 57 may beseen that may be used to assist in transporting the therapeutic device50. Hinges 59 rotatably connect platforms 60 with back 55. Upperplatforms 70 are not connected by a hinge or other means to platforms 60or back 55. Platforms 70 only move by rotating about pivot pins 72. Thisrotating movement is biased by springs 71. Platforms 60 only moved byrotating about hinge 59, and this movement is biased by springs 62.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of a foot bed 80 for use with atherapeutic device in accordance with principles present invention. Afoot bed 80 may be placed on top of upper platforms 70 in FIGS. 6-9 toenhance the therapeutic effects of the device and/or for comfort. A footbed 80 may be comprised of three or more layers, a bottom layer 82middle layer 84 and a top layer 86. The layers may be glued together. Inthis embodiments, layers 82, 84 and 86 are comprised of foam. Othermaterials may also be used as desired. A foot bed 80 may be permanentlyaffixed to an upper platform 70 using, adhesives, glue or otherappropriate materials. Alternatively foot bed 80 may be removablyaffixed to platform 70, thereby allowing other footbeds or no foot bedto be used in conjunction with the therapeutic device. Footbeds 80 mayalso be used with the embodiment of a therapeutic device 10 shown inFIGS. 1-5. The layers of the footbeds may be of a variety of shapes, andmaterials. For example, the layers may be rounded, elliptical,rectangular, and consist of a wide variety of shapes.

FIG. 11 shows the therapeutic device 50 interacting with a person's foot110. The foot may be placed such that the toes extend beyond the edge ofplatform 70. The pivot pin 72 and it axis of rotation may be posteriorto the ankle. In operation, a person places both feet on both platforms70 and stands upon them. The elastic forces and biases provided by theSprings 62 and 71 upon platforms 60 and 70 may cause the person toadjust their balance. As a result, and for reasons not entirelyunderstood, use of the therapeutic device 50 may take advantage of aperson's narrow plasticity, especially relating to balance, in order toimprove a person's gait and ability to walk. Use of the therapeuticdevice 50 may also result in alleviation of pain associated with walkingand balance. FIG. 11 shows the foot, 110 placed near the forward end ofplatforms 70. It may optionally be desirable to place further back onplatform 70.

Whereas, the present invention has been described in relation to thedrawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and furthermodifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be madewithin the spirit and scope of this invention. Descriptions of theembodiments shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting ordefining the ordinary and plain meanings of the terms of the claimsunless such is explicitly indicated.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A therapeutic device, comprising: a baseconfigured to be parallel to and supported by a floor or ground on whichthe therapeutic device rests; a wall extending upward from the base; aleft platform; a right platform; a left hinge that rotatably attachesone end of the left platform to the wall; a right hinge that rotatablyattaches one end of the right platform to the wall; one or more leftsprings that bias the left platform upward relative to the base suchthat the left platform is generally parallel to the base when a personis not using the therapeutic device, and thus, the left platform isgenerally parallel to a floor or ground on which the therapeutic devicerests when a person is not using the therapeutic device; and one or moreright springs that bias the right platform upward relative to the basesuch that the right platform is generally parallel to the base when aperson is not using the therapeutic device, and thus, the right platformis generally parallel to a floor or ground on which the therapeuticdevice rests when a person is not using the therapeutic device.
 2. Thetherapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the left and right platforms areconfigured to engage and support, respectively, left and right feet of aperson standing on the left and right platforms of the therapeuticdevice.
 3. The therapeutic device of claim 2, wherein the left and rightsprings are configured to at least partially compress, thereby causingthe left and right platforms to rotate and slant downward from the wallto which the left and right platforms are rotatably attached by the leftand right hinges, when a person stands on the left and right platformsof the therapeutic device.
 4. The therapeutic device of claim 1, whereinthe left and right springs are configured to at least partiallycompress, thereby causing the left and right platforms to rotate andslant downward from the wall to which the left and right platforms arerotatably attached by the left and right hinges, when the therapeuticdevice is being used by a person.
 5. The therapeutic device of claim 1,wherein one or more left springs and the one or more right springs causethe left and right platforms to be coplanar with one another andgenerally parallel to the base when the therapeutic device is not beingused.
 6. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the left and rightplatforms are respectively left and right lower platforms, and furthercomprising: left and right upper platforms located respectively abovethe left and right lower platforms; one or more further left springsthat extend between the left lower platform and the left upper platformand that bias a portion of the left upper platform upward relative tothe left lower platform; and one or more further right springs thatextend between the right lower platform and the right upper platform andthat bias a portion of the right upper platform upward relative to theright lower platform.
 7. The therapeutic device of claim 6, wherein: theone or more further left springs cause the left upper platform to restabove the left lower platform at an acute angle relative to the leftlower platform when the therapeutic device is not being used; and theone or more further right springs cause the right upper platform to restabove the right lower platform at an acute angle relative to the rightlower platform when the therapeutic device is not being used.
 8. Thetherapeutic device of claim 7, wherein the further left and rightsprings are configured to at least partially compress when a person usesthe therapeutic device such that front portions of the left and rightupper platforms move closer to front portions of the left and rightlower platforms when a person uses the therapeutic device, compared towhen the therapeutic device is not being used.
 9. The therapeutic deviceof claim 6, wherein the left and right upper platforms are configured toengage and support, respectively, left and right feet of a personstanding on the left and right upper platforms of the therapeuticdevice.
 10. The therapeutic device of claim 6, wherein axes of rotationfor the left and right upper platforms are above axes of rotation forthe left and right lower platforms.
 11. A therapeutic device,comprising: a left base portion configured to be parallel to andsupported by a floor or ground on which the therapeutic device rests; aright base portion configured to be next to the left base portion andparallel to and supported by a floor or ground on which the therapeuticdevice rests; a left wall portion extending upward from the left baseportion; a right wall portion extending upward from the right baseportion; a left platform; a right platform; a left hinge that rotatablyattaches one end of the left platform to the left wall portion; a righthinge that rotatably attaches one end of the right platform to the rightwall portion; one or more left springs that bias the left platformupward relative to the left base portion such that the left platform isgenerally parallel to the left base portion when a person is not usingthe therapeutic device, and thus, the left platform is generallyparallel to a floor or ground on which the therapeutic device rests whena person is not using the therapeutic device; and one or more rightsprings that bias the right platform upward relative to the right baseportion such that the right platform is generally parallel to the rightbase portion when a person is not using the therapeutic device, andthus, the right platform is generally parallel to a floor or ground onwhich the therapeutic device rests when a person is not using thetherapeutic device.
 12. The therapeutic device of claim 11, wherein theleft and right platforms are configured to engage and support,respectively, left and right feet of a person standing on the left andright platforms of the therapeutic device.
 13. The therapeutic device ofclaim 12, wherein the left and right springs are configured to at leastpartially compress, thereby causing the left and right platforms torotate and slant downward, respectively, from the left and right wallportions to which the left and right platforms are rotatably attached bythe left and right hinges, when a person stands on the left and rightplatforms of the therapeutic device.
 14. The therapeutic device of claim11, wherein the left and right springs are configured to at leastpartially compress, thereby causing the left and right platforms torotate and slant downward from the wall to which the left and rightplatforms are rotatably attached by the left and right hinges, when thetherapeutic device is being used by a person.
 15. The therapeutic deviceof claim 11, wherein one or more left springs and the one or more rightsprings cause the left and right platforms to be coplanar with oneanother and generally parallel to the base when the therapeutic deviceis not being used.
 16. The therapeutic device of claim 11, wherein theleft and right platforms are respectively left and right lowerplatforms, and further comprising: left and right upper platformslocated respectively above the left and right lower platforms; one ormore further left springs that extend between the left lower platformand the left upper platform and that bias a portion of the left upperplatform upward relative to the left lower platform; and one or morefurther right springs that extend between the right lower platform andthe right upper platform and that bias a portion of the right upperplatform upward relative to the right lower platform; wherein the one ormore further left springs cause the left upper platform to rest abovethe left lower platform at an acute angle relative to the left lowerplatform when the therapeutic device is not being used; and wherein theone or more further right springs cause the right upper platform to restabove the right lower platform at an acute angle relative to the rightlower platform when the therapeutic device is not being used.
 17. Atherapeutic device, comprising: a base configured to be supported by afloor or ground on which the therapeutic device rests; left and rightplatforms configured to rest a distance above the base, co-planar withone another, and generally parallel to the base, when a person is notusing the therapeutic device; and left and right hinges attached torespective ends of the left and right platforms and that define axes ofrotation for the left and right platforms, about which the left andright platforms rotate when a person uses the therapeutic device. 18.The therapeutic device of claim 17, further comprising springs thatassist in causing the left and right platforms to rest the distanceabove the base, co-planar with one another, and generally parallel tothe base, when a person is not using the therapeutic device.
 19. Thetherapeutic device of claim 18, wherein the springs compress when aperson uses the therapeutic device.
 20. The therapeutic device of claim17, wherein the left and right platforms are respectively left and rightlower platforms, and further comprising: left and right upper platformslocated respectively above the left and right lower platforms; whereinthe axes of rotation for the left and right upper platforms are abovethe left and right lower platforms.